FAQ

AMCOS stands for Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society. These are local cooperative societies in Tanzania that play a vital role in supporting farmers by facilitating the local purchase of agricultural inputs and assisting with the marketing of their crops. They are essentially grassroots organizations focused on improving the livelihoods of their members through collective action. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Purpose:

AMCOS primarily focus on two key areas:

Input Supply: They provide farmers with access to essential agricultural inputs like quality seeds and fertilizer at reasonable prices, often at the village level. 

Crop Marketing: AMCOS help farmers market their produce, sometimes by providing storage and sales facilities, and by negotiating better prices by eliminating middlemen. 

Structure:

AMCOS are typically small, local, and member-owned and operated. They may be part of larger umbrella organizations that offer additional support like training, bulk purchasing of inputs, and joint marketing efforts. 

Impact:

AMCOS aim to:

Increase farmers' incomes by reducing input costs and improving market access. 

Improve the quality of agricultural produce through access to better inputs and training. 

Strengthen the local economy by keeping revenue within the community. 

Tanzanian Context:

AMCOS are particularly important in Tanzania where they fill a gap in rural areas where local services and market infrastructure might be lacking. 

Relationship to other Cooperatives:

While AMCOS are a specific type of cooperative, they can be part of larger cooperative unions, which in turn may be involved in activities like banking (e.g., the Cooperative Bank of Tanzania)